Two police officers died after their marked vehicle was involved in a head-on collision with a car traveling the wrong way on the A66 near Middlesbrough last Saturday, an inquest heard.

PC Matthew Blades, 37, and PC Tom Clough, 38, sustained fatal head and neck injuries in the crash. The inquests into their deaths were opened and adjourned at Teesside Coroner’s Court on Thursday. Coroner Paul Appleton confirmed that PC Blades was identified by his wife, and PC Clough by his partner. The preliminary causes of death were recorded as head and neck injuries for PC Blades, and neck injuries for PC Clough.

The fatal incident also claimed the lives of five individuals traveling in a Volkswagen Passat. Those deceased were identified as 17-year-olds Cole Worthy and Theo Rae, 18-year-old Makai Saddington, and two 23-year-olds, Michael Robert Cahill and Jacob Matusiak. All five were pronounced dead at the scene. Inquests into their deaths were likewise opened during the same court session.

The collision remains under investigation, with authorities continuing to examine the circumstances that led to the VW Passat traveling in the wrong direction on the dual carriageway. No further details have been made public regarding the cause of the crash or any potential charges.